Time To Reflect

Wow, 2016 has been a learning curve of a year for me. It’s been such a packed year with so so much going on! From the friends I’ve made, places I’ve been, things I’ve seen and done, I honestly wouldn’t want to change a single part of it!

I don’t know about you, but this year has flown by! I’m writing this, sat on my uni flat sofa huddled in blankets with the fire on next to me as it’s so cold here in Cardiff! I can hardly believe that this time last year I would have only been in the amazing city a little over two months!

So here I am, second year student studying Politics and International relations, and it’s all a bit scary really! I can’t believe that this time next year I will have had to have sorted out my graduate programmes and what I want to do with the rest of my life! At least I can confidently say I have more of an idea today than I did at the start of 2016! I’m so excited to see what 2017 holds for me academically and I just pray it continues in the upwards pattern it is today! (Although as I’m writing this I’m still due a few more results for assessments so who knows how they could go!) Things are starting to feel more certain with what I want to do so I can’t complain about that!

And gosh this blog! I’ve very nearly been blogging for a year (as of 4th January) and that makes me so excited! I know I’ve recently had to say goodbye to The Printed Parade, but honestly this isn’t a sad ending, it’s a new beginning! It feels like I’ve been doing this forever, so to not even have a blog this time last year just seems so crazy! I’ve loved every minute of blogging and I know it will always be a part of my life! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for LaLiviLou, so I hope that you all continue to enjoy my content!

I’ve grown so much in a year too, do you ever just look at yourself in the mirror and see the positive changes you’ve made? I had that recently. I looked in the mirror and just felt so proud of the person I’m becoming! Every day I surprise myself with my strength and I hope that continues! We always underestimate our own abilities, so it’s time that changes for all of us!

As Kylie Jenner predicted (which still makes me laugh so much!) I did realise a lot of stuff this year; I realised that I need to learn to take time out from being so busy so I don’t forget my own wellbeing, I realised that I’m so lucky to have the people in my life that I do, particularly those close to me, they honestly make me smile everyday. I realised that if I want to achieve the things I want in my own life, I need to start putting myself first. It’s not about being egotistical or selfish, it’s just about respecting myself. I’ve also realised that you never know what’s going to happen next, I think that some of the political and worldwide events that have happened this year really put this into perspective. You really do never know what can happen so live your life to the full and in the moment!

I’ve got so many things I want to achieve in my life and over the next year and I know I can! I’ve also got loads of exciting things planned, including my trip round Southeast Asia with my boyfriend!!! Get ready for so many photos! I’ve also set myself loads of goals because, well this is me we’re talking about! As well as challenges and goals ahead, I’m sure the year will be full of surprises and lessons learnt. It honestly would’t be life if something unexpected wasn’t around the corner!

It’s been an interesting year to say the least so to be sat here now with it nearly all over is both a relief and a shame. I’ve learnt so much about myself and I think that is something amazing to take away from it all. Sometimes it takes interesting events to learn the most incredible things!

So here’s hoping 2017 is a good year and that it is for all you lot too! I can’t wait to see what I’ll be writing this time next year!